Episode 35: Believe Black Women

This episode opens with a discussion with our partners at Creative Generation's Jeff Poulin (Managing Director) and André Solomon (Community Engagement Specialist). An introduction to the podcast's video series, "We Can't Go Back," their dynamic discussion is around systemic racism and anti-racist practices within the fields of arts and arts education addresses the need for systemic restructuring, not incremental spotlighting of these very real issues, in order to make true change happen. And this discussion is not just theoretical. No. It's a discussion about intentional steps that both Jeff and Courtney are taking to actually make change an action, not wish, by cultivating liberated spaces and standardizing abolitionist teaching practices that decenter whiteness and honor the stories of artists who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color. The second half of the podcast is a fascinating conversation between Courtney and two giants in the fields of arts and arts education: Adia Tamar Whitaker, Artistic Director of Àse Dance Theatre Collective; and Toya Lillard, Executive Director of viBe Theater Experience. Together, they discuss concepts like: folklore as it exists in the past, in the present and within the bodies of Black people; the direct connection between art and activism; feeling like a leader but being perceived as a problem; surviving in hopes of thriving. Through questions like: "What are some ways you embed anti-racist practices into your work?" and "What are some actions arts institutions can take to restructure and dismantle oppressive systems and policies that uphold white supremacist constructs?," Courtney, Adia and Toya have a rich and intense conversation about the necessary shifts needed to begin creating liberated and brave spaces for Black women and for all BIPOC artists to exist, explore and create art. Final thought: What is the true change you want to see in the world? See it. Say it. Make it. Be it. #Onwards